V&A

If you’ve just seen the New Year in in style and are having withdrawal symptoms already, then check out some of my top picks for South Africans for New Year’s Eve … 2014!

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, South Africa

The V&A is host to some of the most exciting celebrations in the country, with its annual show legendary across the nation. Last year’s NYE party (it still feels strange saying that!) officially kicked off at 18:00, with the Pants on Fire comedy performance.

The waterfront and stage alike is always buzzing with entertainers all night, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to pick up drinks and food from the nearby restaurants and bars. Make sure you get a good spot for the fantastic fireworks show, which takes place at midnight.

Nieu Bethesda, South Africa

Nieu Bethesda’s annual Festival of Lights offers a unique way to wave goodbye to 2014. People parade through the village with lanterns – which you can make at a Bethesda Arts Centre workshop beforehand – and then gather to enjoy dancing beneath the stars to a live band.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve party is renowned around the world, so why not be part of the celebrations? South African Airways offers direct flights to the city from Johannesburg, and Travelex offers great deals when converting rand into Australian dollars – check out the exchange rate here.

The Sydney NYE party is jam-packed with entertainment you don’t want to miss out on, such as aerial acrobatics performances and an Aboriginal smoking ceremony show, but the highlights are the Harbour of Light Parade and iconic midnight fireworks, which illuminate the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

New York City, USA

Celebrating the strike of midnight seven hours later than South Africa is New York City, where you can see the famous New Year’s Eve Ball descend from Times Square. There’s world-class entertainment, a jubilant countdown and the obligatory fireworks show too.

Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around the bustling square will be hosting NYE celebrations of their own, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to an after-party. Keep an eye out here for just some of the options and start planning the ultimate NYE!